Chrysocolla

Real mineral · uncommon · (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O

A hydrated copper silicate forming in the oxidised zones of copper deposits. Its distinctive blue-green colour results from copper content. Often found with malachite and azurite as part of the copper oxide mineral assemblage.

Identity

Formula

(Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O

Chemical class

silicate

Also known as

Copper silicate

Crystallography

Crystal system

amorphous

Habits

massive, botryoidal, earthy

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

3

Density

2.2 g/cm³

Luster

waxy, earthy

Colors

blue-green, green, sky blue, blue

Streak

white

Transparency

opaque, translucent

Geology

Origins

sedimentary, hydrothermal

Host rocks

copper deposits, sandstone

Associated minerals

Malachite, Azurite, Turquoise, Cuprite

Geography

USA (Arizona), Chile, Peru, Israel, DR Congo

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

Yes

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